Creating A Wedding Ring Cushion: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding ring cushions are a popular tradition, with the wedding rings resting on the pillow as the ring bearer carries them to the altar. Making your own pillow is a great way to bring a unique touch to your special day and ensure it matches your wedding theme. You can make a simple sewn or no-sew pillow, or decorate a ready-made pillow with ribbons, beads, or buttons. This can be done by hand or with a sewing machine, using a variety of fabrics such as satin, cotton, or burlap, and embellished with lace, embroidery, or ruffled trims.

Choosing the fabric

The fabric you choose for your wedding ring cushion is important, as it will determine the overall look and feel of the finished product. Here are some tips to help you choose the right fabric for your project:

Colour and Pattern

Firstly, consider the colour and pattern of the fabric. Choose a colour that matches your wedding theme and colour scheme. You can opt for a solid colour or a patterned fabric, but make sure that the pattern complements your wedding theme. If you're making a simple pillow, you can use two different fabrics—one for the top and one for the back. This adds a unique touch and allows you to incorporate multiple colours or patterns.

Type of Fabric

The type of fabric you choose is also important. You can select from a variety of fabrics such as satin, cotton, burlap, linen, canvas, or even silk, velvet, or chiffon for a fancier look. Consider the overall style and theme of your wedding when choosing the fabric type. For example, if you're having a rustic-themed wedding, burlap or linen would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you want a more elegant and luxurious feel, satin or silk might be more suitable.

Fabric Weight and Texture

Take into account the weight and texture of the fabric. If you're making a no-sew pillow, a heavier fabric like burlap or canvas will work better. Lighter fabrics might require some interfacing or lining to give them more structure. Also, consider the texture—do you want something smooth and sleek like satin, or more textured like burlap or embroidered fabric?

Amount of Fabric Needed

Finally, make sure you purchase enough fabric. The amount you need will depend on the size of your cushion and the type of fabric you choose. For a standard ring cushion, you'll typically need two squares of fabric, each measuring around 7.5" to 10" (or 18 cm to 25 cm). If you're adding embellishments like lace or ruffles, you'll need additional fabric or trim.

Sewing the cushion

First, cut two squares of fabric, each 10 inches by 10 inches. Choose a fabric that matches your wedding colours and theme—it could be satin, cotton, or burlap. If you want a different-sized cushion, just be sure to add a 1⁄2-inch seam to the length and width.

Next, stack the squares with the right sides together and secure the edges with pins. Sew three of the edges together, leaving the fourth edge open. Use a 1⁄4-inch seam allowance and a straight stitch, and opt for a thread colour that matches your fabric. You can sew by hand or use a sewing machine for speed. If you don't know how to sew, you can also secure the edges with hot glue or fabric glue and allow to dry.

Now, trim the corners as close to the stitching as you can without cutting the thread. This will help your cushion look neater and reduce bulk. Be sure to clip the corners along the edge you've left open, as this will make it easier to sew shut later.

Turn the cushion cover right side out, then use a blunt, pointy object like a pencil to push out the corners. Now, stuff the cushion with polyester filling, foam, or a plain ring pillow.

Finally, close the open seam. Push the filling into the cushion so that it doesn't get caught in the seam. Fold the raw edges of the opening inwards by 1⁄4 inch and secure them with pins. Sew the opening shut by hand using a ladder stitch, then remove the pins. Alternatively, you can use hot glue or fabric glue to seal the cushion shut, working in 1-inch sections at a time.

No-sew options

If you're looking for a no-sew option for your wedding ring cushion, there are a few methods you can try. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions for creating a no-sew cushion:

No-Sew Option 1:

• Cut 2 squares of fabric, each measuring 10 inches (25 cm). You can adjust the size, but remember to add 1 inch (2.5 cm) to the length and width.
• Choose a heavy fabric like burlap, linen, or canvas for a rustic look. Select a colour that complements your wedding theme.
• Clip the corners of the fabric squares by about 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) to reduce bulk and help conceal raw edges.
• Turn the fabric so that the wrong side is facing you. Fold down the four edges by 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) towards the wrong side and press with an iron if needed. Repeat this step for both fabric squares.
• Unfold one edge and apply a thin line of hot glue or fabric glue along it. Press it back down and repeat for all the hems on both fabric squares.
• Trim any frayed bits of fabric sticking out.
• Place one square with the wrong side up and the other square on top, with the right side up. Glue three edges together, leaving the fourth edge open. Allow the glue to dry.
• Stuff the pillow with polyester stuffing, a piece of foam, a mini pillow insert, or a plain ring pillow of the same size.
• For the final seam, push the stuffing in and glue the last edge, working in 1-inch (2.5 cm) sections. If using hot glue, hold each section until it dries before moving on. For fabric glue, secure with clothespins until dry.
• Choose a ribbon and cord that match your pillow. Create a loop with the cord by folding it in half and placing it behind the ribbon. Pull the ends through the loop and tighten the knot. Centre the knot by sliding it along the ribbon.
• Tie the ribbon into a bow by creating loops with the ends and crossing them over. Pull the ends through the loop and tighten. Adjust the loops and tails as needed.
• Place a drop of hot glue or fabric glue in the centre of the pillow and press the bow into it. Allow the glue to set.
• Trim and singe the ribbon and cord if they are too long or fraying.
• Thread the wedding rings onto the left cord and tie both cords together in a knot or a bow.

No-Sew Option 2:

• Cut two fabric squares, one measuring 7.5" x 7.5" and the other 7.5" x 17".
• On the larger piece, make small light chalk marks at 2" intervals along the long sides so that the marks are directly opposite each other.
• On an ironing board, fold the fabric so that every other chalk mark matches up. Press and pin the folds in place. Repeat until there is a 2" unfolded piece of fabric on either side.
• Sew using a straight stitch close to the edge of each fold. Trim the fabric if needed so that it matches the size of the square back piece.
• Pin and sew a crochet trim around the right side of the top piece, approximately 1 cm from the edge.
• Pin the top and back pieces together, right sides facing, with a 1 cm seam allowance. Leave a 4 cm opening and stay-stitch on either side.
• Snip the corners and trim off the excess fabric. Turn the cushion inside out through the opening, pressing and tucking in the raw edges.
• Stuff the cushion with wadding and hand-sew the opening closed.
• Hand-sew a piece of twine or ribbon to the centre of the cushion for tying the rings.

Adding decorations

Ribbons and Bows

A ribbon is a classic way to decorate a wedding ring cushion and can be used to tie the rings to the pillow. Choose a ribbon that matches your colour scheme and consider adding a decorative bow. You can also add a slip knot to the ribbon for a fancier look. If you want to add a lavish touch, opt for a corded trim and tassels.

Charms

Add a symbolic charm to your bow, such as a horseshoe for good luck or a heart for love. Sew or slide the charm onto the ribbon before tying it into a bow.

Rosettes

Purchase miniature ribbon roses or rosettes and hot glue them to your cushion. Positioning them around the bow would be ideal.

Embroidery

Embroider the fabric of your cushion by hand or with an embroidery machine. This can be as simple or as detailed as you like and works well with rustic fabrics such as burlap, linen or canvas.

Lace Overlay

Cut a square of lace fabric and sew or glue it to the front of your cushion. This will give your design a romantic and elegant feel.

Ruffled Trims

Pin a ruffled trim, such as ruffled lace, to the front piece of fabric and sew it in place. This will add a romantic and textured look to your design.

Tying the rings

Now that you have made your wedding ring cushion, it's time to tie the rings to it.

First, you will need to cut a piece of ribbon and string that match your pillow. The ribbon will form the decorative bow, and the string will be used to secure the rings to the pillow. Fold the string in half to form a loop behind the ribbon. Pull the ends of the string to make a knot around the ribbon, and then tighten the knot by tugging on the ends. Adjust the position of the knot so that it sits in the centre of the ribbon.

Next, you will need to tie the ribbon into a bow. Take the left and right ends of the ribbon and fold them into loops. Cross the left loop over the right loop, and then thread it through the gap you've created. Pull on the loops to tighten the bow. Make any adjustments to the loops and tails of the bow to achieve your desired look.

Now, position the bow in the middle of the pillow. You can sew the bow in place using matching thread, or use hot glue to secure it instead. Ensure that the strings and tails of the bow are hanging below the loop.

Finally, it's time to tie the rings to the strings. Thread both rings onto one of the strings, and then tie both strings into a knot or a bow. You can also add a symbolic charm to the bow, such as a horseshoe or a heart, by sewing or sliding it onto the ribbon before tying it into a bow.

Frequently asked questions